Recommended by Mediabistro
Silver Bulletin is the place to go if you want clear, data grounded thinking on politics, polling, sports and even the quirks of media and markets. Nate Silver, an actual investor in Substack, lays out the numbers without noise and adds analysis that actually explains what’s going on instead of chasing vibes. If you follow elections, betting, strategy or the overlap between politics and business, this is one of the most useful Substacks you can read.
The Outside Scoop delivers smart, clear box office and Hollywood analysis from someone who actually knows the industry. Scott Mendelson breaks down what’s happening, why it matters and where the trends are headed. A great read for anyone who cares about movies and the business behind them.
The Job Hopper is practical, clear headed career advice from two experts who actually know how hiring works. Alison Doyle and Jen Luckwaldt break down job searches, workplace issues and job market trends in a way that’s useful without the fluff. If you want guidance for navigating a sometimes very tough and unpredictable job market, this is a reliable one from real experts.
Embedded is a sharp, funny and genuinely useful guide to Internet culture. Kate Lindsay and Nick Catucci cut through the noise with smart essays and quick hits that explain what’s happening online and why it matters. If you care about how the Internet actually works and evolves, this is an important one!
The Mediator is where media’s future makes at least a little bit sense. Doug Shapiro offers lucid, big-picture analysis that feels both grounded and slightly mind-expanding. He explains the structural shifts reshaping our industry with the precision of an analyst and the curiosity of a tinkerer. If you appreciate early signal & smarter mental models, this is essential reading.
A former streaming exec breaks down the real numbers behind Hollywood’s biggest bets. His weekly Streaming Ratings Report offers the most rigorous and multi-source viewership analysis available. It’s essential reading for anyone navigating the business of content.
Story Club is a warm, brain-tickling and unique corner where George Saunders unpacks how stories work and why they matter. It feels like dropping into a quiet workshop with a wise friend who makes writing feel possible again. If you love fiction or want to sharpen your creative instincts, this is a generous place to land.
Want real, practical advice from journalists and editors at places like the NYT, WSJ, NPR, and Rolling Stone, plus standout local and niche pubs? These interviews feel human and honest, not career fantasy. If you want to see how journalism careers actually start, messy, scrappy, and nonlinear, this is a great place to begin.
A sharp, fast read on the global streaming business with a rare European lens. Marion Ranchet cuts through platform noise and regional bias to spotlight what’s actually working in video strategy. Trusted by execs across media and tech.
Taylor’s Millennial Mindset is a relatable read about everyday life, nostalgia, trends and the little moments that are shaping a generation. Taylor brings an easy, conversational tone that feels like catching up with a friend who notices the same things you do. If you enjoy personal stories, pop culture touchstones and millennial flavored reflection, this is a warm read to add to your inbox.
